Spark intensifier



June 12, 1934.

F. w. cLAYBRooK 1,962,949

SPARK INTENSIFIER Filed Feb. 2. 1931 INVENTOR M: vl-Tonus?? J0 J5 f 70 22 r f? jf a J6 20 J3 .e2

Patented June 12, 1934 UNITED ASTATES PATENT :OFFICE- v 1 Claim.

This invention relates to improvements in the ignition systems of internal combustion engines and has for an object the provision of means interposed between the spark coil and the distributor of an ignition system for further building up the current before it reaches the distributor for distribution to the spark plugs.

Spark intensiiers are frequently connected in the ignition systems of internal combustion enl0 gines, but are connected in the conductor wires leading from the distributor to the spark plugs, so that an intensifier is required for each cylinder of the engine.

The present invention has for its purpose the connection of an intensifier between the coil and distributor so that only a single intensifier is required irrespective of the number of cylinders of the engine, the current being built up before the distributor is reached.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an intensifier for the above purpose which is simple, novel and eflicient, and whose opposite ends may be readily attached or detached from the ends of electric conductors.

With the above and other objects in view, the invention further includes the following novel features and details of construction, to be hereinafter more fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawing and pointed out in the 3o appended claim.

In the drawing:-

Figure 1 is an elevation illustrating the invention connected in an electric conductor leading to the distributor of the ignition system of an internal combustion engine.

Figure 2 is an elevation of the device per se.

Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view.

Figure 4 is a section on the line 4 4 of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a perspective View showing parts of the invention in separated relation.

Figure 6 is an elevation of one of the electrodes Referring to the drawing in detail wherein like characters of reference denote corresponding parts, the reference character 10 indicates the casing of the intensiiier which may be made of any suitable material and is open at each end. In

addition the casing is provided intermediate its ends with diametrically located openings 11 and these openings are closed by a glass or other transparent sleeve 12 located within the casing.

The opposite ends of the sleeve 12 deiine shoulders, against which abut shoulders 13 provided around the inner ends of resilient brass or other metallic thimbles 14 in the casing 10'. These thimbles 14 have their outer open ends engaging shoulders 15 which extend around the inner wall of the casing. The thimbles have their inner confronting and closed ends formed with round extensions 16' which arise from the shoul-V ders 13 and which are received in the ends of the bore of the transparent sleeve 12 and contact with the wall provided by such bore. From the extensions 16' the thimbles are provided with other reduced extensions 16 which define electrodes which are spaced apart so as to provide a spark gap.

The resilient thimbles are pressed intoV the casing so that the tubular body portions thereof will have their closed ends, or rather their shoul ders 13, Contact with the ends of the transparent sleeve 12 and their opposite or outer ends contact with shoulders 15 which provide end walls for the widened or socket portions 22 in the bore of the casing l0. In this manner it will be noted that the thimbles are effectively sustained in the body l0 and the said thimbles effectively support the transparent sleeve 12 and hold the same away from the electrodes 16.v

The intensiiier is designed to be connected in the conductor wire which leads from the spark coil to the distributor, the latter being shown at 1'7. For this purpose there is provided a short insulated conductor 18 having resilient metallic contact terminals 19 at each end. These terminals are adapted to engage within sockets 20 provided in the thimbles 14 and are yieldingly held therein by friction due to the resiliency of the terminals.

In applying the device for use the conductor wire 21 which leads from the spark coil to the center contact of the distributor is removed from the said distributor and inserted in one end of the intensier. The conductor 18 has one of its terminals 19 inserted in the opposite end of the intensifier while the other terminal 19 is inserted in the center Contact of the distributor. Current leaving the coil will iiow through the conductor 21, through the intensifier, being built up in its passage from one electrode to the other, and will pass into the distributor, so that an increased amount of current will pass to' each of the spark plugs.

The operation of the device may be plainly seen through either of the openings 11.

The invention is susceptible of various changes in its form, proportions and minor details of construction and the right is herein reserved to make such changes as properly fall within the scope of the appended claim.

to` receive electricai terminal-s, said inner' ends' of the thimbles abutting the ends of the sleeve to prevent endwise movement of said sleeve, and electrodes integral with the inner ends of the thimbles and arranged in spaced relation to form a spark gap within the sleeve Viewable through the openings.

FREDERICK W. CLAYBROOK. 

